5 Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace - Source, can give your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models to choose from, so you should choose one that suits your needs.

The heat output, the controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these elements, it's best to seek out an expert to help pick the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is fresh and striking and makes this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to make a simple but efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows to tie the look together. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a common method to add character to any room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material that you can build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to complement a traditional country decor.

When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all national and local building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They have the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. For example the earthy hue of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplaces fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.

No matter which method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial electric fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any decor choice, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire design of the fireplace. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The pattern on the tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace stove is a great place to play around with a bold design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.

Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready make a major overhaul of your tabletop fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the look without breaking the bank. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and personality to the space. If you decide to match it with the color scheme of your room or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces. However, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or within it. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. Painting the mantel a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you choose a light color for your mantel, pair it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.